The purpose of this posting is to provide information about select changes that will be required as a result of the recent school funding lawsuits, Martinez vs. State of NM and Yazzie vs. State of NM. The NM Constitution instructs the State to develop a uniform system of public schools sufficient for the education of NM students. The Court’s decision and order in the Martinez and Yazzie consolidated lawsuit held that the state of New Mexico has not met its duty to provide an education to the state’s “at-risk” students, including those who are economically disadvantaged; Native American, English learners, or students with disabilities. The Court further found the Indian Education Act, the Hispanic Education Act, and the Bilingual Multicultural Education Act, which were enacted to help many of these students succeed, were not being fully implemented.
The NM Public Education Department agrees with the Court that “no education system can be sufficient for the education of all children unless it is founded on the sound principle that every child can learn and succeed.” Similarly, the NM Legislature found that the key to success is having a multicultural education system that:
Attracts and retains quality and diverse teachers to teach New Mexico’s multicultural population
Holds teachers, students, schools, districts and the state accountable
Integrates the cultural strengths of its diverse student population into the curriculum with high expectations for all students
Recognizes that cultural diversity in the state presents special challenges for policymakers, administrators, teacher and students
Provides students with a rigorous and relevant high school curriculum that prepares them to succeed in college and the workplace
Elevates the importance of public education in the state by clarifying the governance structure at different levels
Under the administration of Governor Lujan Grisham, the state will remedy the identified deficiencies, adhere to the requirements with legal directives, and create positive educational experiences and improved outcomes for all of our students.
The NM Public Education Department will work with each district to establish a Superintendent’s Equity Council, with members who are selected from the district and school community. These councils will provide leadership to create an equity plan based on a Martinez and Yazzie readiness assessment at the district level, specific to the needs of the district.
The Superintendent’s Equity Council shall be composed of 15 members sufficient to meet the requirements provided, serving 3 or 4 year staggered terms. Membership shall include representatives of the school district’s leadership, school staff, students, parents, family members, community members and members of Nations, Tribes or Pueblos.
If you are interested in participating on this council, please return this formto either your child’s principal or to the Administration Office by Friday, December 13th. Future meetings will be announced for planning.
Thank you for your continued support in educating our students across the district.
MISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, handicap or veteran status in employment or the provision of services. Should you have any questions email the district at concerns@mora.k12.nm.us.
